E-ISSN 2231-3206 | ISSN 2320-4672
 

Original Research
Online Published: 27 Dec 2024


The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India

Divya Bagya A, Priscilla Johnson, Maheshkumar. K.


Abstract
Background:
Obesity has emerged as a critical public health issue in India, with a notable rise in prevalence, particularly among women. The relationship between obesity and cognitive function remains underexplored, especially in non-Western populations.

Aim:
This study aims to investigate the association between obesity and cognitive function in middle-aged women in Chennai, South India.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 healthy female subjects aged 40-60 years, categorized into four groups based on BMI: Normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m²), At Risk (23-24.9 kg/m²), Obese 1 (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), and Obese 2 (>30 kg/m²). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and cognitive function was assessed using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) questionnaire, covering domains such as attention/orientation, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuo-spatial abilities. Data analysis was performed using R statistical software, with ANOVA and post hoc tests to compare groups, and Pearson correlation to examine associations between anthropometric values and cognitive scores.

Results:
Significant differences were found in height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference across BMI groups (p < 0.001). Cognitive scores significantly decreased with increasing BMI across all domains (p = 0.0001). Orientation/Attention, Memory, Verbal Fluency, Language, and Visuo-Spatial Ability scores were lowest in the Obese 2 group. Strong negative correlations were observed between BMI (r = -0.84, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = -0.49, p = 0.0001), hip circumference (r = -0.54, p = 0.0001), neck circumference (r = -0.41, p = 0.0001), and cognitive scores. The waist-hip ratio did not show a significant correlation with cognitive scores.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates a significant association between obesity and cognitive impairment in middle-aged women. Reducing excess weight through interventions such as diet and physical activity may improve cognitive function and reduce morbidity and mortality. Early intervention is crucial for optimal benefits

Key words: Obesity, Cognitive Function, Middle-Aged Women, BMI, Anthropometric Measurements, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

A DB, Johnson P, K M. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2024; 14(12): 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17


Web Style

A DB, Johnson P, K M. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. https://www.njppp.com/?mno=214832 [Access: February 06, 2025]. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

A DB, Johnson P, K M. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2024; 14(12): 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

A DB, Johnson P, K M. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. (2024), [cited February 06, 2025]; 14(12): 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



Harvard Style

A, D. B., Johnson, . P. & K, . M. (2024) The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 14 (12), 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



Turabian Style

A, Divya Bagya, Priscilla Johnson, and Maheshkumar. K. 2024. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 14 (12), 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



Chicago Style

A, Divya Bagya, Priscilla Johnson, and Maheshkumar. K. "The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 14 (2024), 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

A, Divya Bagya, Priscilla Johnson, and Maheshkumar. K. "The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 14.12 (2024), 2595-2600. Print. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

A, D. B., Johnson, . P. & K, . M. (2024) The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 14 (12), 2595-2600. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2024.v14.i12.17